SIngapore Optional Tours - Absolute Asia Tours

Experience overview

FOOTSTEPS OF RAFFLES: Trace the history of Singapore, beginning at the Singapore History Museum, continuing to Little India and the old European Quarter. Next cruise the waterways that traverse the city, passing warehouses and old shop houses along the way. After a visit to Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown, ascend Mount Faber for a panoramic view of the city, with a final stop at the world-renowned Botanical Gardens. (Private half-day tour)

SINGAPORE CITY TOUR: Start with a drive passing City Hall, Supreme Court, and the waterfront of the world’s busiest port. Continue to Chinatown, stopping at Sri Mariamman Temple. Then drive up Mount Faber for a panoramic view of the city with a stop at the world-renowned Botanical Gardens. (Private half-day tour)

FLAVORS OF NEW ASIA: Embark on a gastronomic journey, made unique by the fusion of the traditional cuisine of its immigrants from India, China, the Middle East and the Malay Archipelago. Begin with a walk through a spice garden at Fort Canning Park, followed by an introduction to a typical Peranakan house and fascinating nonya culture. Continue on to a market to join the locals as they haggle and scout out the best and freshest produce. Next will be Little India to explore the narrow streets overflowing with gold and spices, saris and jasmine garlands. The final stop will be a visit to an herbalist in Chinatown where you will gain insight into the traditional concepts of yin and yang in Chinese health and cuisine. (Private half-day tour)

FAITH AND THE FUTURE- THE TEMPLES OF SINGAPORE: The island nation of Singapore is marked by the different cultures that live harmoniously side by side. Today, we will take you to three temples that illustrate the cultural and spiritual diversity of Singapore: a Chinese Temple, an Indian Temple and a Mosque. Visit the Bright Hill Temple: this elaborate temple complex houses prayer halls and magnificently adorned meditation chambers. Learn about ancestral tablets and cultural rituals before heading to Little India, where you will visit the Chettiar Hindu Temple. This treasure trove of Indian craftsmanship is approached through a spectacular 23-metre high 'gopuram' gateway. Its breathtaking ceiling has 48 glass panels adorned with sacred deities angled to reflect the sunrise and sunset. Finally, we will bring you to the largest mosque in Singapore, the Sultan Mosque with its vast hall inscribed with passages from the Quran. During prayer time, the solemn walls and minarets will echo to the chant of the Bilal.

WILD SINGAPORE: JURONG BIRD PARK AND CROCODILE PARK

A visit to Singapore’s fabulous Jurong Bird Park promises to be a breathtaking experience. Covering over 50 acres, the park houses the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian birds. From Antarctic penguins to birds-of-paradise, Australian emus to Spanish flamingoes, more than 8,000 exotic birds from 600 species including one of the largest Hornbill collections in the world are contained in mock natural habitats covering 20 hectares of parkland. Enter the intriguing Nocturnal Bird House for a rare sight of this particular species. Visit the splendid walk-in aviary and see birds fly unfettered whilst the world's highest man-made waterfall thunders beneath Rainbow Bridge. Also visit Jurong Crocodile Park, where 25 distinct species are found in a natural, jungle-like setting. The first of its kind in the world, the park features an underwater gallery allowing visitors unique and unobstructed views of crocodiles from all angles as they swim in a landscaped pool. Visit the Breeding Lake, Nocturnal Enclosure and the Wrestling Arena. Instead of the Crocodile Park, you may choose to visit the Ming Village, where traditional Chinese porcelain is handmade and delicately painted.

ZOO & MANDAI ORCHID FARM: Visit the award-winning Singapore Zoo: this open-concept wildlife reserve, with its landscaped parklands and magnificent collection of wildlife from all over Southeast Asia is widely recognized as one of the world’s finest study centers of native Asian and endangered species. Here, subtle landscaping, rather than fences, encloses the animals, thus creating excellent viewing opportunities for visitors, and a more natural life for the animals. Singapore’s zoo has influenced cutting-edge zoo design throughout the world. Also visit the Mandai Orchid Farm - a tropical paradise where brilliant blossoms cover an entire hillside. (Private half-day tour)

HARBOR CRUISE ON A CHINESE JUNK: This romantic cruise on an authentic Chinese junk offers sublime views of Singapore’s famed skyline. Float past the islands off Singapore’s coastline, once shelter to pirates and brigands. Visit Kusu Island, where devotees flock to the Tua Pek Kong Temple. Sail past Singapore’s southern islands before returning to the city port. (Private half-day tour)

PAINTED FACES—BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE CHINESE OPERA: This evening tour is a delight for connoisseurs of art, theater, and opera. The evening begins at a charming prop shop that stocks the magnificent costumes and props used in a Chinese opera. Learn the meaning behind each movement and gesture used in this distinctive art form. At Clarke Quay, witness the behind-the-scenes preparation of an opera, from the painstakingly painted faces to the donning of elaborate costumes. The evening culminates at the opera itself for a mesmerizing performance accentuated by traditional opera music. (Private evening tour)

FENG SHUI: THE THEORY AND THE PRACTICE

Feng Shui or Geomancy, is the ancient Chinese practice of harnessing the powers of nature to promote business and one's general well-being. A combination of science and art with a dash of common sense, this practice is very much alive in cosmopolitan Singapore. This tour kicks off with a visit to a feng shui establishment where valuable information on feng shui is imparted and where some interesting artifacts may be viewed. Then, as you take in the breathtaking view of the city atop one of the tallest buildings in Singapore, find out how feng shui concepts have played a part in the design and shaping of some prominent buildings. A walk along historical streets will reveal that this practice of keeping harmony with nature dates back to the days of our forefathers. Throughout the city, hidden signs suggest the ancient roots to this practice. Move on to Suntec City, Singapore's main exhibition and convention center, experience the influence of feng shui. As you "stand" in the World's largest fountain, listen to tales of people who have found success after visiting the fountain.

NIGHT SAFARI ADVENTURE: Combining the comfort of a zoo environment and the vastness of a national wildlife park under the magical night sky, the Night Safari gives you a unique glimpse of animals in their natural jungle habitat. By tram and by foot, you will have the opportunity to view over 110 exotic species that roam the lush grounds. (Private evening tour)

BREAKFAST WITH AN ORANG UTAN: This early morning visit to the Singapore Zoo includes an exciting breakfast with an orang utan. Later, a tram ride through the zoo takes you to a live performance with sea lions and elephants. (Private half-day tour)